How to Setup Responsive Ads Using The Advanced Ads Size Mapping Feature

Advanced Ads is a WordPress ad implementation plugin that has highly sophisticated features, making it the best tool for publishers looking for a plugin that gives them flexibility in ad implementation while adhering to policies.

Size Mapping is one of those features that ensure no inappropriate ad sizes are served on any device, at any given time. It makes ad implementation a lot easier because you won’t have to worry about targeting or getting penalized for accidental clicks due to extremely large ads or experience a drop in revenue due to extremely small ads relative to the screen size.

Why Size Mapping is Non-Negotiable!

Google’s latest algorithm updates prioritize page experience and responsible ad practices. Poorly sized ads harm UX, trigger penalties for accidental clicks, and slash revenue. Here’s how Size Mapping solves this:

1. Prevents Layout ShiftsServe ads that perfectly fit device dimensions, eliminating disruptive resizing and improving Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) scores.
2. Device-Specific OptimizationDeliver 728×90 leaderboards on desktops and 300×250 mobile banners on smartphones—no more squashed or oversized creatives.
3. Compliance Made EasyAvoid AdSense policy violations (e.g., “ad density above content”) by automating size restrictions based on screen width.
4. Maximize Viewability & RPMAds sized to the user’s device see 2–3X higher viewability rates, directly boosting CPMs.

Steps to enable Size Mapping for your ad using the Advanced Ads WordPress plugin:

Step 1: Download Advanced Ads if not done yet and activate it

Step 2: Go to Advanced Ads > Ads

Step 3: Click New ad on the upper left hand corner

Step 4: Name Your Ad: Use a clear format like “Desktop_Leaderboard_728x90” for easy tracking.

Step 5: Select the type of tag you’re deploying (e.g. AdSense tag – select Plain Text and Code)

Step 6:Insert your Google Ad Manager or AdSense tag under Ad Parameters.

• 🚨 Critical: Enable SSL encryption (HTTPS) to avoid mixed-content warnings.

Step 7: Proceed to Visitor Conditions

Define Rules:

• • Example 1: “Equal or higher than 1024px” → Serves 728×90 on desktops.
  • Example 2: “Equal or lower than 767px” → Activates 300×250 mobile banners.

Step 8: Select Browser Width from the dropdown

Step 9: Click Add

Step 10: Specify the browser width in pixels where this ad is eligible to serve.

For example, you put “equal or lower” – “728”, that means the code being deployed can only serve if the user’s browser is 728 pixels wide or smaller.

If you select “equal” – “728”, that means this ad can only serve when the user’s browser is exactly 728 pixels wide.

If you select “equal or higher” – “728”, that means this ad is eligible to serve only if the user’s browser is 728 pixels wide or bigger.

Step 11: Check the rest of the settings, click Publish on the upper right hand corner once all set

Step 12: Select the placement where you want the ad to show up

Now your ad is live and ready to serve. Repeat the same steps for the rest of your ad tags and be ready to watch your ad revenues grow!

Best Practices for Size Mapping

1. Layer with AIO (Adaptive In-feed Ads)Combine size mapping with Adaptive Ads to auto-resize native ads within dynamic content grids.
2. Prioritize Core Web Vitals
   • Set maximum ad heights to prevent footer delays.
   • Use Lazy Load to defer ads below the fold.
3. Audit with Google Publisher ConsoleCheck for “unmatched ad requests” to ensure size rules align with your GAM inventory.
4. Fallback Ads for GapsConfigure backup ads (e.g., house promotions) for unsold inventory in specific size brackets.

Want to master your ad inventory like the pros? Get started here!

 

FAQs: 

Q: Does Size Mapping work with AMP?

A: Yes! Use the AMP Ads add-on to extend rules to accelerated mobile pages.

Q: How to avoid accidental clicks on mobile?

A: Set minimum spacing between ads and touch targets (e.g., navigation menus).

Q: Can I use this with video ads?

A: Absolutely. Pair with Video Ads Manager for responsive VAST tags.